Me-309

Fighter

Messerschmitt

The Me 309 was originally designed to be the definitive successor to the Me 109. Innovative features included a pressurized cockpit, tricycle landing gear, and a retractable radiator.

The V-4 was armed with four MG 131, two MK 108 and a MG 151/20. This heavy armament led to a decrease in speed that was unacceptable for a fighter. In the autumn of 1943 the Me-309 program was officially terminated.

However, the 309 could be out turned by the Bf 109G and was judged inferior to the Fw 190D and never reached production.
In all four prototypes were produced.